Hearts are heavy following a deeply distressing incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Shivank Avasthi, a promising 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, was tragically shot and killed on Tuesday afternoon. This devastating event marks Toronto’s 41st homicide this year, sending shockwaves through the local Indian community and raising urgent concerns about student safety.
Toronto Police responded to the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, where they found Mr. Avasthi with a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The suspect(s) fled before officers arrived, and authorities have launched a comprehensive manhunt, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.
This tragedy comes just days after another Indian national, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, was also found dead in Toronto last week. An arrest warrant has since been issued for Abdul Ghafoori in connection with her murder. These back-to-back incidents have understandably intensified fears and ignited a crucial conversation about the safety and well-being of international students and residents across the city.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed profound sorrow over both deaths. They are actively providing full support and assistance to Mr. Avasthi’s grieving family and have been closely involved in Ms. Khurana’s case, working with local authorities to support her relatives. The community grieves alongside the families, hoping for swift justice and a renewed commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety.
If you have any information regarding Shivank Avasthi’s case, please contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers.
